13 Things to KNOW Before Visiting Yoho National Park

Yoho National Park gets its name from the Cree expression for “wonder and awe”, which should tell you something about just how beautiful this place is. It’s not as well known as nearby destinations like Golden, BC, or Banff and Jasper in Alberta, but we think that’s actually a good thing because it’s significantly less busy here, but there’s still lots to do. 

The park is perhaps best known for Emerald Lake, which we actually think is one of the best lakes to visit in the Rockies. While you can come to Yoho just to see the lake’s famous green waters, we highly recommend sticking around to explore and go hiking, spot wildlife, and visit waterfalls. 

If you’re anything like us and love spending time in the great outdoors, then you should definitely add Yoho National Park to your list of places to visit in the Canadian Rockies. We’ve put together this guide containing everything you need to know to plan your visit to this awesome and underrated national park! 

1. About Yoho National Park

Yoho National Park was established in 1886, making it the second oldest national park in Canada (tied with Glacier National Park, which was founded on the same day). It’s within the traditional territories of the Secwepemc and Ktunaxa First Nations, who used to pass through the area to go bison hunting. 

The park is home to lots of interesting natural attractions, including Emerald Lake, Kicking Horse Pass, and the Spiral Tunnels. There are also over 400 kilometers (248 miles) of hiking trails in the park, which is great news if you love to hike as much as we do! 

The park gets over 500,000 visitors a year, so we can’t quite say it’s off the beaten path, but when you consider that Banff National Park welcomes over 4 million tourists annually, Yoho National Park does offer a much less crowded experience. 

2. Where is Yoho National Park?

Yoho National Park is in the Canadian Rockies, in British Columbia. It borders Banff National Park to the east, and it’s very accessible. The park is 86.7 kilometers (53.8 miles) from Banff, so it takes about an hour to drive between the two. It’s even closer to Lake Louise, which is just 31.8 kilometers (19.7 miles) away or about a 30-minute drive. It’s also easy to visit from Canmore which is 101 kilometers (62.7 miles) away. 

Banff, Lake Louise, and Canmore are all east of Yoho National Park, but it’s also pretty close to Golden, BC, an underrated small town that’s 58.7 kilometers (36.4 miles) west of the park. We absolutely love Golden and there are so many epic things to do there, so you should definitely consider exploring this gem of a town while you’re in the area. 

3. When is the best time to visit Yoho National Park? 

It’s generally best to visit in the summer, as this is when you can make the most of the park’s many hiking trails and see Emerald Lake at its most brilliant.

However, the park can get busy during the summer so we recommend visiting fairly early in the morning, which is also one of the best times of day to see wildlife! Similarly, the park quiets down later on in the afternoon, and dusk is also prime time to see animals.

4. Can you visit Yoho National Park in winter?

Yes, you definitely can! Emerald Lake is absolutely beautiful during the winter and there are lots of opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on and around the lake, which is really cool.

Backcountry skiing is really popular around here and the Emerald Lake Slide Path is one of the best runs in the area with unbeatable views of the President Mountain Range. There are also lots of short trails in the rest of the park with little elevation change, so you can explore them as long as you’ve got the right equipment, like microspikes/crampons, and hiking poles. 

The Emerald Lake Lodge is also open in the winter and it’s a LOT cheaper to stay here in the off-season. You’ll feel like you stepped into a Hallmark Christmas movie with the scenery around here and every room (which is basically a tiny cabin) has its own cozy fireplace.

Related Read: Visiting Banff in the winter or during the Christmas season is also magical! Don’t let a little cold and snow discourage you from all the wintery adventures to be had.

5. Is it free to visit Yoho National Park?

Yes, as long as you have a Canada Parks Pass. If you’re staying in Banff or Lake Louise, then you should already have one of these. If you’re staying in Golden, you can purchase a pass at the visitor center in town. You can also pay for a pass at the Yoho National Park Visitor Centre or you can also buy a Parks Pass online.

If you’re just visiting for a day or two, the pass is $10.50 CAD per person per day or $21 CAD for a family/group of up to seven people in the same vehicle. There are also yearly passes available – I’ll outline all the options more below!

6. Where are the best places to visit Yoho National Park from?

Field

Field is actually situated inside of Yoho National Park, so it’s a great base for exploring! It’s home to the Yoho Visitor Centre, which is handy for getting information about conditions before you head out on a hike, and there are lots of excellent trails close by. Field is a really small town with a population of fewer than 200 people, and it’s got a very quaint, charming, and super friendly feel to it. 

Lake Louise

Lake Louise is a super famous place in the Canadian Rockies, and although it’s a small mountain village, there are lots of cool things to do here besides just visiting the well-known lake. It’s one of our favorite places in the entire country, and there are so many pristine wilderness spots to explore – plus it’s a great ski destination during the winter! Lake Louise is only 31.8 km (19.8 miles) from Yoho National Park, so it’s just a 30-minute drive away.

Golden

Located 57.7 km (35.8 miles) from Yoho National Park, Golden is an amazing, severely underrated small town with a ton of awesome attractions, from walking across the new Golden Skybridge to whitewater rafting on the Kicking Horse River. Golden is actually surrounded by six national parks, so it’s an awesome base for exploring the Canadian Rockies, and we’re actually pretty taken with its old-world downtown area, too. 

Banff

Banff is an hour’s drive from Yoho National Park, and you probably don’t need us to tell you that it’s one of the most famous places in the Canadian Rockies. We’ve been there dozens (if not hundreds) of times and we’re yet to get bored of it! You can stay in Banff all year round and since it’s 86.7 km (53.8 miles) from Yoho, you can easily take a day trip to explore the park. 

Canmore

We lived in Canmore so obviously, we’re a bit biased towards it, but come on, what’s not to love about a beautiful mountain playground with awesome hiking trails, lots of skiing opportunities, and a buzzing craft beer scene? 

Canmore is just a little further from Yoho National Park than the destinations we’ve listed above, but it still only takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes to make the 109 km (67.7 miles) journey by car. Plus, because it isn’t inside a national park it’s usually cheaper to stay in Canmore (although you will still need a Parks Pass to enter Yoho National Park).

Revelstoke

Revelstoke is 203 kilometers (126 miles) from Yoho National Park, so it takes just over 2 hours to drive there. It’s yet another charming mountain town and it’s surrounded by picturesque scenery, which you can explore by hiking its many top-notch trails. Winter in Revelstoke is a fantastic time to hit the slopes or try your hand at cross-country skiing, and we were also pretty impressed with its food scene, too. Oh and if you need to warm up, some of the best hot springs in BC are nearby!

Calgary

Calgary is 212 kilometers (131.7 miles) from Yoho National Park, so a day trip is definitely possible. It’s super accessible as lots of people fly in and out of the airport here, but it’s also a really cool destination in itself. It’s a sunny, laidback city with lots of culture to explore, and some of the Rockies’ most beautiful destinations within easy reach!

Related Read: If you’re planning a Canadian road trip through the mountains, let us help! We have tons of road trip guides like the best stops on the way from Canmore to Lake Louise or the drive from Calgary to Golden.

7. What are the best tours to Yoho National Park? 

If driving to Yoho National Park isn’t in the plans or you’re just looking for a cool experience where someone else does all the planning, a tour is a great choice! These are our favorite tours of Yoho National Park with options leaving from Banff, Calgary, and Canmore,

Half-Day Private Tour Banff

This half-day private tour focuses mainly on famous sites in Banff National Park, like Lake Louise and Castle Junction, but also includes a visit to Yoho’s Emerald Lake. And since it’s a private tour, you can customize it to your liking and choose to spend more time in Yoho National Park!

If you’re lucky to have Storm as your guide, he’s passionate about exploring the Rockies and really brings all these amazing places to life. The tour costs $195 CAD per person which includes roundtrip transportation from Banff or Canmore. His tours tend to book up quickly, so make sure you reserve a spot online!

Full-Day Private Tour Banff

This full-day private tour of Banff is the extended version of the tour mentioned above! You’ll have even more time to see all the unique and beautiful locations in the Rockies. Since it’s just you and your group, you can customize it to ensure that you get to visit all of your must-see natural attractions in Yoho National Park and beyond.

This is another tour often led by the fantastic tour guide – Storm. Just let him know what you’re after – lakes, waterfalls, hikes, etc – and he’ll put together an itinerary for you! It’s also nice to be riding in a comfy 4×4 that can go where tour buses can’t.

For $340 CAD per person, it includes all of your transportation from Canmore or Banff, bottled water, and binoculars to help you spot wildlife (and there’s a TON to see in Yoho National Park). You can also add paid extras like a ride on the Banff Gondola, visits to wineries, or whatever else you’d like to do in the area! Make sure to book this full-day tour online here!

Lake Louise and Yoho National Park from Calgary or Banff

Since Lake Louise and Yoho National Park are so close together, it makes perfect sense to visit them on the same day if you’re coming from Banff or Calgary. This combo tour takes you to visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, which we think is great because arranging your own transport to these lakes can be a bit of a nightmare for various reasons, and then onto Yoho National Park to marvel at Emerald Lake, the Natural Bridge, and the Spiral Tunnels. 

The tour costs $164 CAD per person, which we think is pretty good given how much you get to see in one day. It includes all of your transport from the meeting point in either Calgary or Banff, your national park fees, and 20 minutes of snowshoeing during the winter months, although lunch is on your own account. Book this tour online and you can also take advantage of the buy now, pay later option!

Discover Grizzly Bears from Banff 

We’re massive nature lovers so for us, spotting bears is one of the most exciting things about visiting this part of Canada. However, sightings are never guaranteed which is why this grizzly bear tour is so great! 

You’ll start the day by exploring Yoho National Park, specifically Takakkaw Falls and Emerald Lake. There’s a ton of wildlife throughout the park and your guide will help you to spot bears and other animals found around Banff and Yoho like elk, deer, and moose. We’ve found this to be one of the best wildlife tours offered in Banff and the surrounding area!

The tour also includes a scenic gondola ride up Kicking Horse Mountain and lunch at Eagle’s Eye restaurant at the top. This is actually the highest restaurant in Canada, and it’s pretty fancy, so enjoying a meal here is a real treat! 

After lunch, you’ll take a chairlift ride even higher up the mountain to the wildlife refuge, where you’ll get to see and learn about Boo, the famous resident grizzly! What we like about this place is that Boo gets to live in a natural mountain environment just as he would in the wild. 

This tour costs $275 CAD and we think it’s an awesome day out since everything you need is included like transport from Banff, your gondola and chairlift rides, and even lunch. Get ready to spot grizzly bears and other amazing creatures by booking this tour online!

Banff and Yoho Parks Private Tour 

If you really want to go all out and see Banff and Yoho National Parks exactly as you want to, then there’s really no better choice than this private tour. The suggested itinerary covers all of the highlights of the two parks (including Lake Louise, Emerald Lake, and Takakkaw Falls) but since it’s a private tour, you get to customize your itinerary exactly to your liking.

The tour lasts 8-10 hours which is tons of time to see both parks after you’re picked up in Calgary. What’s especially nice about private tours like this one is you won’t feel rushed to keep up with the group or have to wait around for everyone else.

The base tour costs $618 CAD per person for a group of 2, but falls to $494 each for 6 people. You can also add on activities like a canoe rental on Emerald Lake or a ride on the Banff Gondola, too! So if a VIP tour for just you and your group is the way you want to see Yoho, check availability for your travel dates and book here!

Rockies Select 2-Day Tour (Banff/Yoho National Parks)

As you might be able to guess from the sheer volume of blog content we’ve created around the Canadian Rockies, there is a TON to see in this part of the world. So if you’ve got time, this 2-day tour lets you see even more of the epic natural beauty that Banff and Yoho National Parks have to offer.

For $493 CAD per person for a couple or $413 CAD each for a group of 4, this tour includes an overnight stay in a 3-star hotel, all of your transport from Banff or Calgary, and breakfast. You get to see a ton of awesome places that the single-day tours tend to skip over – we especially like that on the first day you get to see the Banff Hoodoos, because we actually missed them ourselves the first few times we visited Banff. 

Day 1 of this tour focuses on Banff including the gorgeous Johnston Canyon, but on Day 2 you’ll also visit Yoho National Park to see Emerald Lake, the Spiral Tunnels, and the Natural Bridge, before visiting Lake Louise and Moraine Lake later on in the day. 

If you have a few days in the Rockies, grab a spot on this 2-day tour now!

Fairmont Experience 5-Day Tour in the Rockies – Banff, Jasper, and Yoho

This 5-day tour takes you to not one, not two, but three incredible national parks so that you get to see pretty much all of the highlights of the Canadian Rockies on one incredible whirlwind trip! From the Columbia Icefield and Maligne Lake to Bow Falls and Johnston Canyon, you’ll see all of the most beautiful sites in Alberta without having to lift a finger, because everything will be taken care of for you. 

But what we find most exciting about this tour is that it includes a night at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, a historic castle that’s basically been plucked out of a storybook! It’s a true bucket list stay and definitely not something you get to do every day (unless you’re Scrooge McDuck, that is). 

This tour costs $1,590 CAD per person (or $1,154 CAD each for a group of 4), so it’s definitely not cheap, but given how much accommodation and renting a car in the Rockies can cost, it might not cost you that much more than it would to organize everything yourself. We really think that this is the ultimate way to experience the Rockies in just 5 days, so book this tour online with Viator and get ready to check things off your bucket list! 

8. What are the best things to see and do in Yoho National Park?

Visit Emerald Lake

Visiting Emerald Lake is hands down the most popular thing to do in Yoho National Park. It’s a gorgeous green lake that you can hike around, canoe across, or even swim in (although the water is pretty cold!). We actually think that this is one of the best lakes in the Rockies to visit, especially given how crowded Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are becoming. 

You can visit Emerald Lake all year round, but the water is at its most striking during the summer in July and August. If you decide to visit in summer, make sure to try and get there before 10 am so that you can get a parking spot because the lot does fill up pretty quickly. 

Laughing Falls

Doesn’t visiting Laughing Falls sound like a blast? I mean, the good vibes are baked right into the name! Laughing Falls are 30 meters (98 feet) high, and the cheerful name comes from the sound the water makes as it flows over the rocks. You can basically feel it vibrating through your entire body! 

The best way to access these falls is to hike from Takakkaw Falls to Laughing Falls, which is 4.2 km (2.6 miles) each way. It’s an intermediate trail and it’s pretty easy to follow, so most visitors shouldn’t have too much of a problem with this one. Plus, there are some cool natural attractions to marvel at along the way, including a quick detour to see Point Lace Falls and the Yoho Gorge! 

Takakkaw Falls

Takakkaw Falls is the second-highest waterfall in Canada at 373 meters (1,224 feet) high, and it’s an absolute must-visit while you’re in Yoho National Park. Watching the water cascade down the rock face is absolutely mesmerizing, especially because the mist creates multiple rainbows at the bottom. 

Not only is this waterfall stunning, but it’s also super easy to visit. You can even just observe it from the parking lot if you don’t want to hike, but we do recommend doing the 1.4-kilometer (0.9-mile) Takakkaw Falls hike to see the falls up close. The path is super flat and well-maintained. 

Twin Falls

Twin Falls is a double waterfall where the two streams of water converge to make a super impressive splash! The hike to Twin Falls is an extension of the hike to Laughing Falls, so it also begins at the Takakkaw Falls parking lot. It’s a 16.4-km (10-mile) out-and-back hike, so you can do it in a day or stay overnight at the Twin Falls Campground. 

Basically, if you do the entire Twin Falls Hike you get to see Takakkaw Falls, Laughing Falls, and Twin Falls all in one day, so we definitely recommend it if you’re a hiking fan – we loved it. One of the highlights of this hike is visiting the Twin Falls Teahouse while you enjoy views of the majestic falls. Plus, after 3 hours of hiking, you’ll definitely be ready for some refreshments!

Related Read: Another nearby hike to a teahouse you don’t want to miss is the trail to the Lake Agnes Tea House! Just picture sipping a tea and enjoying a yummy dessert while looking at a lake with mirror-like reflections.

Stay at the Emerald Lake Lodge

Emerald Lake Lodge is a historic lodge that’s on a peninsula that juts out into the lake. It’s absolutely stunning – I mean, really, what gets better than staying in the middle of one of the Rockies’ most beautiful lakes? For us, this stunning property is a real bucket-list stay. 

One of the best things about staying at the Emerald Lake Lodge is that you can enjoy the stunning sunrises and sunsets over the lake from your room, and you don’t need to worry about the parking situation. Rooms can cost as little as $169 CAD during the off seasons, rising to $719 CAD per night during the peak of summer, so take this into account when budgeting for your stay!

Iceline Trail

The Iceline Trail is a 21.7 km (13.4 mile) loop hike with stunning views of alpine meadows, glaciers, and waterfalls. In fact, you get way better views of Takakkaw Falls along this trail than you do from the usual viewpoint below the falls. 

You can do this hike in a single day, but since it’s so long and has a 710-meter (2,329-foot) change in elevation gain, you will need the entire day to do it. It’s not super difficult but you will need decent endurance levels! 

The Iceline Trail begins at the Takakkaw Falls parking lot, and there’s clear signage the entire way, so you don’t need to be an expert to find the trail for this one. However, what does confuse a lot of people is the fact that the Iceline Trail is actually only 7.8 kilometers (4.8 miles) long, but the entire hike that most people do consists of several interlinking trails. 

It’s always a good idea to download an offline map before you go, but basically, you’ll start with the Takakkaw Falls to Yoho Lake Trail for about 1 km/0.6 miles, then take the Yoho Lake Trail for 2.6 km/1.6 miles until you get to the official Iceline Trail, which is the longest section of the hike. After that, you’ll take the Little Yoho Valley Trail and the Yoho Valley Trail, which will lead you back to Takakkaw Falls. 

What we love about this hike is that it’s a loop, so you don’t double back on yourself and get to see a huge variety of scenery along the way. In our opinion, this hike is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of Yoho National Park! 

The Natural Bridge 

The Natural Bridge is a beautiful rock formation over the Kicking Horse River just 3 km (1.9 miles) from Field. Over thousands of years, water eroded the soft rock beneath a hard limestone band, creating a bridge. It’s very cool to see the Natural Bridge and it’s a pretty quick stop. The turn-off for the bridge is along Emerald Lake Road, so you can stop to check it out on your way to or from the famous lake! 

What we also like about the Natural Bridge is that it’s an excellent place to spot wildlife because animals like moose and elk are attracted to the mineral lick. If you’re really keen to see these animals, try to visit early in the morning or around dusk, as this is when they tend to be most active.

The Spiral Tunnel Viewpoint 

The Spiral Tunnels were built by the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) in the early 1900s so that trains could easily pass over the famously steep Kicking Horse Pass. Two spiral tunnels were built to allow trains to gain and lose elevation without losing control, and they were so successful that they’re still in use today! 

You can drive to the Spiral Tunnels Viewpoint and if you’re lucky, you might even see a train passing through while you’re admiring the tunnels. You can also explore the Walk in the Past educational trail which teaches you all about the history of Canada’s locomotive industry and offers more great views of the tunnels. 

Lake O’Hara 

Lake O’Hara is absolutely stunning, but it’s not easy to access. It’s famed for its dramatic landscape and jaw-dropping views and also how purposely difficult it is to get to. Still, once you’ve seen a photo of this incredible lake, it’s only natural to want to try. 

Basically, Lake O’Hara is situated along an 11-kilometer (6.3 mile) access road – which is all uphill, just FYI. The only vehicle allowed along this road is the Parks Canada shuttle, but it’s really difficult to get tickets. 

Traditionally, Parks Canada has used a lottery system to allocate tickets, but they changed this in 2023 and are releasing all of the tickets on the same day. However, just to make things extra confusing, they’re going back to the lottery system in 2024. 

Since the 2023 release has already happened, you’ll need to wait for 2024 to visit Lake O’Hara. The shuttle usually runs from mid-June until early October, and you can apply for your seat in April. Applications cost around $10 CAD and sadly, you don’t get a refund if you’re not successful (just like the real lottery!). When you apply, you can choose up to 6 dates and times to ride the shuttle. If you do get a seat, you’ll find out in May when you can go to Lake O’Hara. And if not, you’ll need to wait until the following year. 

Your other alternative is to walk along the road and camp overnight. You could technically walk there and back in a day, but only if you’re super fit, since it’s pretty steep when you’re going uphill! 

The Lake O’Hara campground only has 30 tent sites available and you’ll need to reserve your spot online via the Parks Canada website. Reservations usually open at the end of March at 8 am, but exact dates and times change from year to year. You can camp for up to 3 nights in a row, and you can have one 4-person tent per site.

Yes, we know this all sounds like a huge hassle (and to be honest, it is) but Lake O’Hara is so stunning that it really is worth jumping through all of Parks Canada’s hoops! 

Sherbrooke Lake

The hike from Wapta Lake to Sherbrooke Lake is a great family-friendly thing to do in Yoho National Park. The trail is 9.3 kilometers (5.8 miles) out-and-back, so it should take you 2-3 hours depending on your pace.

To get started, park in the small lot across from Wapta Lake along the Trans Canada Highway and check out the views before you head into the forest in the other direction towards Sherbrooke Lake. It’s a gradual uphill climb, but nothing too strenuous, and when you get to the lake itself you’ll be blown away by its bright turquoise waters which, in true Rockies style, are surrounded by rugged mountain peaks. There are even a couple of rocky beaches around the lakeshore where you can sit and relax before heading back to the car.

Wapta Falls

Wapta Falls are located along the Kicking Horse River, and you can visit them year-round, although they’re especially stunning in winter when they freeze over! 

It’s a flat 4.8-kilometer (3-mile mile) hike from the main parking lot for the Wapta Falls Trail. However, the road to the trailhead is closed during the winter and so you’ll have to park on the side of the Trans Canada Highway and snowshoe to the official trailhead, which adds an extra 2 kilometers (1.24 miles) each way.

Visit Yoho National Park Visitor Centre 

It’s always a good idea to head to a national park’s visitor center before you head out on your adventures, and we found that the one in Yoho National Park was excellent. There was lots of information about the best things to do in the park and the conditions of the day, as well as its natural and cultural history. Plus, the staff were really helpful!

The visitor center is in the town of Field which, as you may remember, is actually inside Yoho National Park. It’s only open between May and October, but if you’re visiting during the summer it’s a great place to start and plan your day.

Faeder Lake

Faeder Lake is a small, shallow, and scenic lake that’s a quick and easy stop on your Yoho National Park itinerary! There’s a picnic area right across from the lake so this is the perfect place to stop for lunch. Plus, it’s only 30 seconds from the parking lot to the lake itself, so there’s no hiking involved. 

Spot wildlife 

Yoho National Park is teeming with wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled. You can see grizzly and black bears in the park during summer, and you can spot moose all year round (although these are some of the most difficult animals to spot!).

The park is also home to elk, deer, marmots, mountain goats, and more, so you’re bound to spot something while you’re here. There’s nowhere specific that you need to go to spot wildlife, but if you spend time exploring the lakes, hiking trails, and scenic spots we’ve been talking about in this blog then there’s a good chance you’ll spot some interesting creatures along the way. 

Burgess Shale Fossil Hike

What a lot of people don’t know about Yoho National Park is that it’s actually home to the oldest known evidence of complex life on Earth: the Burgess Shale fossils! 

These fossils demonstrate the link between species that walk the Earth today and ones that lived over 500 million years ago, which is absolutely mind-boggling. Also, these fossils aren’t just bones – you can see all the gory details, like innards and eyeballs! 

You can’t visit these fossils independently, but Parks Canada offers three different guided hikes to see the Burgess Shale fossils, so if you’re interested in natural history then definitely book one of these!

Finn Creek

You don’t hear a lot about Finn Creek, but we think it’s stunning! The bright blue water runs through a narrow canyon, and it’s surrounded by forests and mountains. Plus, it’s super easy to access as it’s right alongside the Trans Canada Highway, so you don’t need to hike to get to this scenic spot. It’s a nice, quick stop but definitely one that’s worth adding to your itinerary. 

9. What are the best campsites in Yoho National Park?

Front Country 

Takakkaw Falls Campground

You’ll feel tucked away in the wilderness if you stay overnight at the primitive Takakkaw Falls Campground. It’s right next to Takakkaw Falls, which means that you’ll wake up to some seriously amazing views. Plus, you’ll be right next to the trailhead for several of the hikes we’ve mentioned in this blog: Laughing Falls, Twin Falls, and the epic Iceline Trail. 

As for facilities, Takakkaw Falls Campground has outhouse toilets, running water, a sheltered cooking and picnic area, and bear lockers. It’s walk-in only, with 35 sites suitable for 4-person tents. The campground is open from June 15 to October 9 and costs $18.75 CAD per night, so it’s nice and easy on your wallet.

Kicking Horse Campground

We’ve pitched our tent at quite a few sites in Yoho National Park but we think that Kicking Horse is the best of the bunch in terms of facilities. You can only camp here from May until early October, and it’s the only campground in the park that requires you to reserve your site in advance, and it costs $29.95 CAD per night. 

A quick heads up, most of the tent sites aren’t super private, but obviously, that’s not such an issue if you’re in a campervan or RV. The facilities are great, with flushing toilets, showers, and firepits available, and in terms of location, it’s a 15-minute drive from Emerald Lake. 

Monarch Campground

If you didn’t manage to reserve a spot at Kicking Horse Campground but want to stay close by, then Monarch is your second-choice option. It’s a non-bookable campsite that takes the overflow from Kicking Horse, and to be honest it is a bit of a step-down. The facilities aren’t as good, as there are no showers and only dry toilets, and it’s right next to the highway so it can be a bit noisy. However, it’s still a good campground overall and for $18.75 CAD, it’s wallet-friendly, too. 

Hoodoo Creek Campground

This quiet campground is in an open meadow, half an hour away from Emerald Lake by car. Hoodoo Creek Campground is a great option for hikers because there are some excellent trails nearby, including the famous Hoodoos Trail, as well as Deer Lodge Warden Cabin and Wapta Falls. There’s not much here in terms of facilities, but there are indoor toilets, fire pits, and a covered cooking area – and really, what more can you expect for $16.75 CAD per night?

This campground is non-bookable and is open from June 15 to September 4, so if you want to camp here the window is narrower than it is for other front country campgrounds in the park. There are 30 sites that are suitable for tents, motorhomes, and trailers, and there’s a maximum of six people per campsite.

Back country

Just so that we don’t bore you by repeating ourselves about fees and facilities, there are a couple of things you need to know about the backcountry campgrounds in Yoho National Park. 

You need a reservation to stay in any of the backcountry sites, and a backcountry camping permit, which starts from $10.50 CAD per night. No fires are allowed at these sites, but they do each have tent pads, dry toilets, food storage lockers, and picnic areas. All of the sites cost $12.50 CAD per person per night, plus an additional $11.50 CAD reservation fee. 

Lake O’Hara Campground

Lake O’Hara is the crown jewel of Yoho National Park – but like most precious jewels, it’s tightly locked away. Okay, not really, but it’s definitely not easy to visit Lake O’Hara, as there are some pretty tight restrictions on visitor numbers. And since Lake O’Hara is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Rockies (and dare we say it, the world), reservations at this campground are in very high demand.

There are only 30 tent sites available at the Lake O’Hara Campground, and they all become available on the same day in late March (the exact date changes from year to year), so you’ll need to plan ahead and book your spot online through the Parks Canada website. Set an alarm for this one and be on the website before reservations open, because they sell out almost immediately. It feels just like trying to get concert tickets, only for us it’s probably even more nerve-wracking.

You can also try to reserve a spot on the Lake O’Hara shuttle, but this is even more difficult and it’s not guaranteed. However, you can still hike the 10-kilometer (6-mile) access road with your gear. It’s all uphill and there’s not really much scenery to enjoy along the way, but when you get to Lake O’Hara it will all be totally worth it. Plus, you can stay for up to 3 nights (if you’ve reserved camping in advance), so you don’t have to trudge back down the road again straight away. 

Little Yoho Campground

Little Yoho Campground can be found along the Iceline Trail hike, about 10 kilometers (6 miles) from Takakkaw Falls, so it’s a good option if you want to split the hike into two days. It’s close to the Stanley Mitchell Hut and the Little Yoho River, so there’s plenty to check out nearby. In the evening, you can also hike the Kiwetinok Trail from the campground to beautiful Kiwetinok Lake, which is about 6.5 kilometers (4 miles) out-and-back. 

Laughing Falls Campground

The Laughing Falls Campground is another great place to stay if you want to split the Iceline Trail hike up over multiple days and do a little more exploring. As you can guess from the name, the Laughing Falls are close by, so you could also split the Laughing and Twin Falls hike across two days by staying here.

Twin Falls Campground

The Twin Falls Campground is about 3.5 kilometers (2.1 miles) away from the Laughing Falls Campground and it’s another scenic place to spend the night. You can also hike to Marpole Falls from here, which is about 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) each way. For something a bit more chilled, you can also head to the Twin Falls Tea House for scenic views while you sip your tea. 

10. Where are the best places to stay inside Yoho National Park?

Emerald Lake Lodge

Emerald Lake Lodge is the kind of place that dreams are made of – a cozy lodge with beautiful rooms, nestled on a peninsula in the heart of one of the Rockies’ most stunning lakes. It’s perfect for a romantic stay and there’s a great upscale restaurant on site, too. 

Not only are the views from your room some of the best in the park, but you’ll also avoid the headache of fighting for a parking spot. Prices range from a reasonable $169 CAD per night during shoulder season to a more costly $719 CAD per night during peak summer. If you’re planning a summer visit, you need to book online ASAP!

HI Yoho National Park, Whiskey Jack Wilderness Hostel

This rustic HI Yoho National Park Whiskey Jack Hostel is located right near the famous Takakkaw Falls, which is not only a great attraction in itself, but also acts as the trailhead for some of Yoho’s best hiking routes. It’s generally open from late June until September and attracts a friendly, adventurous crowd, although it’s closed for renovations in Ssummer 2023. You can check availability and book a room once they re-open on Hostelworld.com.

Lake O’Hara Lodge

So, throughout this blog post we think we’ve established that Lake O’Hara is a true dream-worthy destination. If you’d love to stay overnight at this bucket list-worthy lake but aren’t that keen on camping (or missed out on a spot because of the insane supply and demand issue) then you can book a room at the Lake O’Hara Lodge instead. This classy lodge is perched right on the edge of this exquisitely beautiful lake, so you really will have the best seat in all of Yoho National Park. 

As is the case with everything related to Lake O’Hara, bookings at this lodge aren’t that easy to come by. You’ll need to give them a call at (250) 343-6418 between 8:30 am and 2:30 pm on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday. If you’re able to get a reservation, you’ll also need to pay a booking deposit because this place is very in-demand. There are only eight rooms in the main lodge (starting at $860 CAD per night for two people) or one of their cabins for $1,215 CAD per night. The rate does include transportation to the lodge down their access road, all your meals, afternoon tea, and taxes, so that helps!

Also, just a heads up: staying at the lodge doesn’t guarantee you a spot on that elusive Parks Canada shuttle. Sorry! 

Cathedral Mountain Lodge

The Cathedral Mountain Lodge is perfect if you want a rustic but luxurious vibe while staying in the Rockies. It’s got stone fireplaces, antique furniture, and spacious bathtubs where you can unwind after a day of exploring Yoho National Park. There’s also an excellent restaurant on site, the Great Room Restaurant, which serves up regional, organic cuisine and locally produced wines. 

Prices range between $545 – $895 CAD per night during the summer, so a stay at this place definitely doesn’t come cheap, but you can’t go wrong here if you’re looking for a luxury stay. You can check availability and book on Booking.com.

Yoho Chalets

The Yoho Chalets are beautiful, airy chalets just steps away from the banks of the Kicking Horse River, so you’ve got views galore in addition to comfy beds, a stone fireplace, and a fully-equipped kitchen. You’ll have plenty of privacy here and we think that this idyllic spot is perfect for families, since each chalet sleeps up to 6 people. Prices range between $199 and $350 CAD for a standard chalet, going up to $250 – $399 CAD per night for a deluxe chalet with all of the trimmings. You can easily book one of the Yoho Chalets online here.

Field

Field is a super charming village with lots of cafes and artisanal shops to check out. Plus, it’s conveniently located inside Yoho National Park, at the base of Yoho Valley Road, so you can easily access all of the park’s top attractions and hiking trails from here. 

There are a couple of hotels in Field, including the Cathedral Mountain Lodge, which is about 5.5 kilometers (3.4 miles) from the town center, and the Truffle Pigs Lodge. There are also several guesthouses in the area, like Charlie’s Guesthouse which is a cute little walkout basement suite.

Related Read: If you’d prefer to stay nearby, there are plenty of places to stay in Golden, BC or hotels in Banff to choose from!

11. How long do you need to visit Yoho National Park?

You can tick off a few of the park’s highlights in just one day, but we think that it’s best to spend at least one night in the park to really get the most out of it. This way, you can see the top attractions like Emerald Lake and the Natural Bridge, and explore some of the amazing hiking trails, too.

Or for the best experience, spend two nights and three days in the park to make sure that you get to fully immerse yourself in its beauty! 

12. Tips for visiting Yoho National Park

Bring bear spray

Yoho National Park is amazing for spotting wildlife, but this means bears like it too. Make sure to bring bear spray with you, especially if you’re planning to hike, because there’s a chance that you’ll spot some along the way. Just make sure that you buy a reputable brand and practice using it beforehand. 

Download maps offline – spotty (or no) internet service

There’s basically no cell service in Yoho National Park, so make sure you download maps offline before you go. It’s a good idea to do this for maps to all of the spots you want to see, as well as any hiking trails you want to explore. Trust us, it really does make life 10 times easier when you know where you’re going! 

Wear layers

Yoho National Park has its own microclimate and the weather can be really unpredictable, so wear layers. It’s a good idea to pack a light waterproof jacketand some light warmer layers that you can remove and stash in your backpack while hiking. And if you’re visiting during winter, hats, scarves, and gloves are a must!

Bring your bathing suit

You can go swimming in Emerald Lake and some of the other lakes and falls in the park, so bring your bathers. We especially like taking a dip in the cold (very cold!!) waters of Emerald Lake after completing one of the nearby hikes! It’s the perfect way to cool off after exploring.

Plan ahead

It really does pay to plan ahead when visiting Yoho National Park. We’ve already covered downloading offline maps, but you also need to time your visit so that when you’re heading to busier spots, like Emerald Lake, you can ensure that you’ll be able to get parking.

It’s also a good idea to bring snacks with you as food in the park can be a bit overpriced and there aren’t a ton of options. There’s also not the same abundance of accommodation in Yoho National Park as there is in Banff, so if you want to stay overnight make sure that you book your campsite, hotel, or hostel well in advance to avoid missing out. 

13. Is visiting Yoho National Park worth it? 

Yes! It may not be as famous as Banff or Jasper National Parks, but it’s way less busy and absolutely stunning. There are some incredible hiking trails here, plenty of great campsites, and enough natural beauty to keep you entertained for a lifetime. Plus, Emerald Lake really is one of the best lakes in Canada, and it’s way less crowded than some of the more well-known options like Moraine Lake. So all in all, we think a visit here is 100% worth your time.

Renting a Car in British Columbia

If you’re arriving in British Columbia via plane, then I can’t recommend getting a rental car enough. British Columbia is a large province and traveling between the best places to visit in BC requires transport. Although you can use public transport on some occasions, this means your trip will not only require more time but more planning.

Car rental in Canada isn’t relatively cheap, but it’s not that expensive either, especially if you get a budget car. The cheapest car with a pick-up and drop-off in different locations is around $100 CAD per day. The price does vary though, depending on the time of year. For car rentals, I use the website Discover Cars. It’s a search engine with lots of deals with good customer service. In fact, I’ve used Discover Cars all over the world, including in Chile, New Zealand, and Australia.

Another popular option is to rent a campervan or motorhome (only for the brave in winter.) Using Motorhome Republic, you can search hundreds of deals across multiple companies to pick a great vehicle and the cheapest price. Having a motorhome is a stunning way to see Canada, and using crown land and campsites, you can often camp for free or very cheap in the most beautiful places imaginable!

Thanks for reading!

Well, there’s all the info you need to plan your very own visit to Yoho National Park! This park definitely deserves a spot on your trip through the Rocky Mountains. There’s so much to do here, you’ll probably find one visit to Yoho isn’t enough! I know we can’t wait to go back.

If you’re looking for more advice on putting together the ultimate trip in the Rockies, have a look around our other Canada blogs. We’ve lived and traveled extensively across BC and Alberta and love to share our tips and tricks! Here are a couple to get you started:

40 EPIC Things to do in Banff in Summer

How to Get to Moraine Lake (from Banff, Canmore, Calgary, and More!)

22 BEST Places to Visit in BC, Canada

The 5 BEST Niagara Falls Tours from Toronto